When One Tree Hill returns for its eighth season, Clay will have survived the shooting that concluded season seven...

... but he'll remain hospitalized for a few episodes.

During this stint, TV Guide reports he'll cross paths with a character played by Edwin Hodge. This individual will be a patient alongside Clay due to a text message-related car accident.

Hodge is the brother of Leverage star Aldis Hodge and appeared on an episode of that TNT hit this season.

One Tree Hill returns to The CW on September 14. Visit our One Tree Hill spoilers section now to see what else will go down on season eight!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.